ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Sh Dharmendra Pradhan holds telephonic discussion with the US Secretary of Energy Mr. Rick Perry
Ways to work together to enhance energy security and expanding energy and innovation linkages came up for discussion
Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel Sh Dharmendra Pradhan today had a telephonic discussion with the US Secretary of Energy Mr. Rick Perry. Both the Ministers discussed about the ways to work together to enhance energy security and further develop gas-based economy in India. Expanding energy and Innovation linkages to bolster the strategic India-US Strategic Energy Partnership that was launched in New Delhi in April last year, also came up for discussion. They also reviewed the current status of four Working Groups created under the Strategic Energy Partnership -Oil & Gas, Power & Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development. Both the Ministers agreed to hold the second meeting of the India-US Strategic Energy Partnership at an early date.
The Ministers also discussed about crude oil price volatility. Sh Pradhan emphasised the impact of price volatility on Indian consumers. He also pointed to the important role that the US plays in bringing global price stability. Emergence of the US as a source for oil and gas for India also figured during the call. Both Ministers agreed to work closely to improve the overall engagement between the countries in the energy sector.
YB
(Visitor Counter : 713
Ministry of Defence
INS GOMATI DECOMMISSIONED AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE
Having served the nation and the Indian Navy with great distinction for 34 eventful years, INS Gomati was decommissioned at sunset at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 28 May 2022, in an elegant, solemn and poignant ceremony. The ship was paid off under the command of Captain Sudip Malik.
INS Gomati derives her name from the vibrant river Gomti and was commissioned on 16 April 1988 by then Raksha Mantri, Shri KC Pant, at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Bombay.
The third ship of the Godavari class guided-missile frigates, INS Gomati was also the oldest warrior of the Western Fleet when decommissioned.
During her service, she participated in Operations Cactus, Parakram and Rainbow, and several bilateral and multinational naval exercises. For her remarkable spirit and stellar contribution to national maritime security, she was twice awarded the coveted Unit Citation, once in 2007-08 and again in 2019-20.
After her decommissioning, the ship's legacy will be kept alive in an open air museum being set up on the picturesque banks of the eponymous river Gomti in Lucknow where several of her combat systems will be displayed as military and war relics.
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MK/VM/PS
(Visitor Counter : 1493
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 193.70 Cr
Over 3.41 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 19,509
3,712 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.74%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 0.67%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 193.70 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 2,46,20,654 sessions.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 3.41 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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|
HCWs
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1st Dose
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|
1,04,07,113
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|
2nd Dose
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1,00,41,351
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Precaution Dose
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52,54,370
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|
FLWs
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|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,19,449
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,75,86,304
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
88,03,679
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|
Age Group 12-14 years
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|
1st Dose
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|
3,41,31,661
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,69,03,853
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
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|
5,95,27,972
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2nd Dose
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|
4,59,17,988
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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55,72,24,076
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2nd Dose
|
|
49,07,06,734
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Precaution Dose
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9,40,618
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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20,32,63,767
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2nd Dose
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19,10,03,648
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Precaution Dose
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14,46,005
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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|
12,71,00,132
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2nd Dose
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11,91,39,334
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Precaution Dose
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1,92,33,050
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Precaution Dose
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3,56,77,722
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Total
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1,93,70,51,104
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 19,509. Active cases now constitute 0.05% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.74%. 2,584 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,26,20,394.
3,712 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 4,41,989 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 85.13 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.67% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 0.84%.
Ministry of Culture
Prime Minister attends prayer meet at Gandhi Smriti on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended a prayer meet and paid his respects at Gandhi Smriti on the occasion of 150th Birth Centenary of Mahatma Gandhi ,in New Delhi today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 166.03 Cr
More than 28 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 94.37%
2,09,918 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 18,31,268
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 15.75%
With the administration of more than 28 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 166.03 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,81,83,260 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,03,95,314
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2nd Dose
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98,64,386
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Precaution Dose
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33,10,296
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FLWs
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|
1st Dose
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1,83,95,796
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2nd Dose
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1,72,31,856
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Precaution Dose
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37,62,672
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
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4,59,99,539
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|
Age Group 18-44 years
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|
1st Dose
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|
54,03,78,710
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
40,37,34,228
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Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
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|
20,01,78,297
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2nd Dose
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|
17,09,81,480
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Over 60 years
|
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1st Dose
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|
12,48,06,178
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2nd Dose
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10,65,72,253
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Precaution Dose
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47,85,222
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Precaution Dose
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1,18,58,190
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Total
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1,66,03,96,227
2,62,628 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 3,89,76,122.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 94.37%.
2,09,918 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 18,31,268. Active cases constitute 4.43% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,31,198 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 72.89 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 15.75% and the Daily Positivity rate also reported to be 15.77%.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Devolution of Power and Funds to Panchayati Raj Institutions 
Article 243G of the Constitution of India empowers the Legislature of a State to make provisions, by law, for the devolution of power and responsibilities upon Panchayat at appropriate level, subject to such conditions, as may be, specified with respect to the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice and implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them including those in relation to matters included in the Eleventh Schedule. The State legislatures are to consider the 29 subjects illustratively set out in the Eleventh Schedule for devolution to the Panchayats. The performance of the Panchayats depends on the extent of powers and resources devolved to them, which varies from State to State. As ‘local government’, which includes Panchayats, is a State subject, Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been advocating to the States for increased devolution of powers to the Panchayats. Similarly, by successive Finance Commissions, more funds have been provided to the States for distribution among Panchayati Raj Institutions  as under:-
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- Tenth Finance Commission 
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:
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Rs. 4380.93 crore
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- Eleventh Finance Commission
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:
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Rs. 8000.00 crore
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- Twelfth Finance Commission 
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:
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Rs. 20,000.00 crore
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- Thirteenth Finance Commission 
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:
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Rs. 63,050.00 crore
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- Fourteenth Finance Commission
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:
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Rs. 2,00,292.20 crore
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- Fifteenth Finance Commission
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:
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Rs. 2,97,555.00 crore
As the devolution of powers to Panchayats is within the purview of States, no request is required to be made by them to the Government of India. Regarding allocation of funds, in this regard, Finance Commission, prior to making recommendations holds detailed discussion with stakeholders, including all States and takes into consideration their suggestions in its recommendations.
A Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog for restructuring of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan  to address the challenges faced by the rural local bodies and increased fund flow to Gram Panchayats. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, a revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of RGSA was prepared for strengthening of PRIs for the period 2018-2019 to 2021-22.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
AUSINDEX-19 Concludes
The Australian and Indian Navy have concluded a two-week long bilateral maritime exercise code-named AUSINDEX on 14 Apr 19. Personnel from the Eastern Fleet bid farewell to Her Majesty's Australian Ships Canberra, Newcastle, Paramatta and Success with a promise to meet again.
The current edition of the exercise had the participation of the highest number of units thus far with four frontline ships with integral helicopters, one submarine and a variety of aircraft including P8I and P8A long-range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft took part from both navies. For the first time, 55 American and 20 New Zealand military personnel embarked onboard the RAN ships and witnessed the exercises during AUSINDEX-19.
The third edition of the exercise which commenced on 02 Apr 19 included a series of advanced warfare drills in all three dimensions comprising anti-submarine warfare exercises, air defense exercises, anti-surface warfare exercises including live-fire drills, replenishment at sea, and cross deck flying. The bilateral exercise was aimed “to strengthen and enhance mutual cooperation and interoperability between the IN and RAN, providing opportunities for interaction and exchange of professional views between the personnel of the two navies”.
DKS/AC
(Visitor Counter : 1378
Ministry of Defence
Defence Acquisition Council clears procurement of 14 items worth over Rs 380 crore from iDEX startups/MSMEs for Armed Forces
Approves new simplified procedure to fast-track procurement from iDEX Startups/MSMEs
Simplified procedure for Make-II category projects also gets nod to bring down time taken from prototype development to contract signing
In a path-breaking initiative, Defence Acquisition Council , chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on March 22, 2022, cleared the procurement of 14 items worth Rs 380.43 crore from the Innovations for Defence Excellence  startups/MSMEs. These items will be procured by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
The DAC also approved the new simplified procedure for procurement from iDEX startups/MSMEs. This would fast-track the procurement from the startups/MSMEs. The procurement cycle from the AON to contract signing will be around 22 weeks as per the new procedure. Suitable incorporation will be made in the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2022. The DAC also approved the simplified procedure for Make-II category projects on similar lines of iDEX procedure and would considerably bring down the time taken from prototype development to Contract signing in Make-II projects.
The iDEX, a game changer in the Defence eco-system, was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2018 with the objective of fostering innovation and incorporating cutting-edge and disruptive technologies in the Armed Forces in a quick time-frame. The iDEX scheme, since its initiative in 2018, has now gathered momentum, and it is expected that around 25-40 items after the successful prototyping by the iDEX startups/MSMEs, will be ready for procurement by this year end.
The iDEX scheme has been instituted under the over-arching mission of the MoD to achieve self-reliance and indigenisation. The iDEX is catalysing the vibrant energy of our startup eco-system and is today steering trans-disciplinary innovations/projects. An enterprising network of experts from the Services, DPSUs, Industry, Academia, iDEX officials and the startups/MSMEs are involved in the process of co-creation and co-innovation. The aim is to provide atleast 50 world class solutions to the Armed Forces and the defence industry in the near future.
The five editions of DISC and the various Open Challenges have been a huge success and have witnessed tremendous interest and participation from the startups/MSMEs. The iDEX is scaling up at a breakneck pace to support more and more innovators and startups. The iDEX startups/MSMEs are now entering the next phase, i.e., productionisation and commercialisation. This will indeed lead to the broad-basing of the defence industrial base.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Indian Railways starts booking of tickets amidst full precautions
Chandigarh, May 23, 2020
Ministry of Railways  in consultation with Ministry of Health & Family welfare  and Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that train services on Indian Railways shall be further partially restored w.e.f. from 01st June 2020. The booking of all these 200 trains has commenced from 21 May 2020. Brijesh Kumar, a migrant worker from Bihar living in Palwal, said that he has booked tickets for four and is happy to go back to home.

Online Booking of tickets for these trains is being done through IRCTC website or through Mobile App. Indian Railways has also allowed booking of reservation tickets through the reservation counters, Common Service Centers and Ticketing agents. An official at the Railway Ticket counter in Haryana said that they have started the booking of these special trains through reservation counter. He also said that the reservation counter is open from 8 AM till 2 PM. Another railways official at Palwal railway station, K L Meena said they have already received necessary guidelines regarding the opening of the reservation counters. He also said that the reservation counters have been opened and full precautions are being taken to ensure physical distancing.
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1264075591579467783?s=20 

https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1264075384003297281 
These 200 special services shall be in addition to the existing Shramik special trains being run since 01st May and Special AC trains  being run since 12th May 2020.
Ministry of Education
Cabinet approves reservation in Teachers’ Cadre Ordinance, 2019
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for promulgation of "The Central Educational Institutions  Ordinance, 2019" considering the University/ College as a unit instead of 'Department/ Subject'.
Impact:
This decision is expected to improve the teaching standards in the higher educational institutions to attract all eligible talented candidates.
Benefits:
This decision will allow filling up of more than 5000 vacancies by direct recruitment in Teachers' Cadre duly ensuring that the Constitutional Provisions of Articles 14, 16 and 21 shall be complied with and stipulated reservation criteria for the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes are met with.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
IFFI to retrace its journey through Golden Peacock Retrospective
The 50th International Film Festival of India scheduled to be held from 20th to 28th November at Goa will have a Retrospective of Golden Peacock Award winning films of past 49 years. The curated section that retraces the journey of IFFI, will showcase 8 films from 8 different countries opening with Gamperaliya directed by Lester James Peries, the first Golden Peacock Award winner of 1965.
At Five in the Afternoon directed by Samira Makhmalbaf, Indian film Moner Manush by Goutam Ghose, Porfirio by Alejandro Landes, The Bostonians by James Ivory, Chinese film The King of Masks by Tian Ming Wu, Kazhak film Tulpan by Sergei Dvortsevoy, Leviathan directed by Andrey Zvyaginstev are the other films included in the programme.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 132 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 22.72 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccinemanufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,32,33,15,050
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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22,72,19,901
More than 132 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 22.72Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Special Service and Features
Seizure of 49.2 Kgs Pseudoephedrine worth Rs.9.86 crore by Chennai Air Cargo Customs. Three persons arrested.
Based on specific information, officers of Air Cargo Intelligence Unit , Chennai Customs intercepted an export consignment comprising 25 cartons with gross weight 750 kgs and contents declared as ‘100% cotton knitted shirts’ destined to United Arab Emirates .
On opening and examination, it was found that each package contained 48 shirts. Consequently, the shirts were opened one by one by the officers. Each shirt was supported by a packaging material made of paper board white in colour. It was observed by the officers that some of the paper board packaging materials were bulging and heavy whereas others were flat. The officers cut open the bulged packing support material of one shirt. On opening, white crystalline powder substance was found concealed inside the bulged paper board material. Upon testing, the white crystalline substance tested positive for pseudoephedrine, a narcotic and psychotropic substance, notified under NDPS Act, 1985. The export of pseudoephedrine is restricted and allowed with proper license from Central Bureau of Narcotics, Gwalior. Out of a total of 1200 shirts, in 515 shirts the white powder was found to be concealed inside the paper board packing support. The white crystalline substance obtained from all the packaging material was tested and found positive for pseudoephedrine. Totally 49.2 kgs of pseudoephedrine worth Rs.9.86 crore in international market was recovered.
The consignment i.e. both pseudoephedrine and the packing materials was seized for further investigation under NDPS Act, 1985. Three persons who were involved and played various roles in this attempt to smuggle out narcotics and psychotropic substance were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
Further, investigations are under progress, according to a press release issued by Shri. K.R. UDAY BHASKAR, PR. COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Gadkari to lay foundation Stone and inaugurate 35 highway projects worth over Rs 9400 crore in Madhya Pradesh
Projects to pave way for faster development with better connectivity
Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari will lay foundation stone of and inaugurate 35 highway projects in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, the 25th of August, 2020. Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan will preside over the virtual function, to be attended by Union Ministers Shri ThavarchandGehlot and Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, MoSs Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Gen  V K Singh, Ministers from the State, several MPs, MLAs and senior officers from the Centre and the State.
These projects for inauguration and foundation laying carry a Road length of 1139 kilometers, involving construction value of over Rs 9400 crore. Paving the way for development of MP, these roads will enhance better connectivity, convenience and economic growth in the State.
Click here to see List of Projects
Ministry of Defence
"HAR KAAM DESH KE NAAM"
AIR MARSHAL SANDEEP SINGH DEMITS THE OFFICE OF VICE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF
Air Marshal Sandeep Singh PVSM AVSM VM ADC demitted the office of the Vice Chief of the Air Staff  on his superannuation from the IAF on 31 January 2023, after completion of 39 years of illustrious service to the nation. On the occasion of handing over of the office of VCAS, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Headquarters, following which he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial to honour those Armed Forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
The Air Marshal was commissioned in the IAF as a Fighter Pilot on 22 December 1983. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and National Defence College. He is an Experimental Test Pilot and Cat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor. He has flown several aircraft and has nearly 4900 hours of operational and test flying experience on Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, MiG-21, Kiran, AN-32, AVRO, Jaguar and Mirage 2000. He has played a key role in the induction, production and weaponization of the Su-30 MKI aircraft in India.
He held several important field assignments in his career including Project Test Pilot of the Su-30 Project Team at Moscow, Commanding Officer of a frontline Su-30MKI Sqn, Chief Test Pilot at ASTE, Commander of two Flying Bases, Assistant Chief of Air Staff , Commandant ASTE, Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. He was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command before taking over as the VCAS.
In recognition of his meritorious services of an exceptionally high order, the Air Marshal was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2013 and Param Vishisht Sewa Medal in 2022. He was appointed as honorary Air ADC to the President of India on 30 September 2021.